Under New Management

There is an incredibly rich history behind Mayfield, located little more than 10km east of Orange town centre. And, if new General Manager and Director Charles Simons has anything to do with it, there awaits an incredibly rich future as well.

Simons joined the Mayfield Vineyard team in September, having been lured by the estate’s new owner John Eastham.

The Eastham family bought the property early last year after falling in love with its charm and character. “Ownership was a dream come true for me, so I jumped at the opportunity to come on board,” says co-owner Simons. A viticulturist by degree, Simons has plied his trade in various locations including, in Orange, Printhie Wines, Heifer Station and Philip Shaw, as well as Craggy Range in New Zealand and more. Now at one of the highest and coolest vineyards in Australia, Simons says he’s been quick to get his hands dirty. “[I] definitely can’t help myself but to get involved, especially in a season like this [when] I find myself out in the vineyard daily in some capacity. We’re fortunate to have a great vineyard manager [Matt Larnach] so it makes my job very easy.

“And I’ll work very closely with our winemaking team to achieve our lofty goals.”

Those ‘lofty goals’ include introducing new varieties. Burgundy clones will be a focus, headed by chardonnay and pinot noir. Meanwhile, the Mayfield cellar door has been revamped and the site’s accommodation, featuring a five-bedroom homestead as well as cottage-style stays, remains in play.